Our current sizes run from US Men's 6 to 15. If you're outside of this range, please send an email to [email protected] so we can get a sense of how many of our small and big footed friends are eager to try Wolf & Shepherd - there's always a chance we'll be able to add to the size range in the future.

The History of The Monk Strap Shoe

July 12, 2017

In 15th century Europe, the life of a monk was dedicated to worship and manual labor. From sunup to sundown, monks traversed the hills of Europe, reaping, sowing, plowing and binding the crops for their villages. Value for monks came in adjustments that increased the efficiency of the work day. Monks typically wore double strap sandals while plowing the fields. In the mountains and hills, however, wearing sandals did not offer enough protection and slowed down work. The monks needed a practical shoe that covered the foot, was durable, and could withstand the rough terrains.

The solution was a closed version of the traditional monks strap sandal, thus came the introduction of a monk strap shoe. Monk straps allowed monks more freedom in their daily tasks as they no longer needed to worry as much about the weather of the terrain they were traversing.

Daily work of a 15th Century Monk

Middle Ages Monk Strap Sandals

Monks strap shoes are acceptable today as both a formal or informal shoe. Often the monk straps’ formality is classified as between an oxford and a derby. Have no worries about keeping your laces tied, as you can simple buckle your straps on for a day of comfort and classic style.

Since the 15th century monk straps were first introduced in the fields of Europe, the shoe has evolved to be a classic men’s style piece. The Wolf & Shepherd's Genesis 2.0 Gambit Double Monk maintains the heritage of the classic monk shoe design, while implementing 21st century technology to make today’s most practical and comfortable monk strap dress shoe.